RURAL crime is coming under the spotlight in the biggest ever examination of its impact, causes and effect.

People across the North-East and North Yorkshire are being urged to take part in the largest survey of its kind ever held in an effort to shape the future of crime prevention and rural policing.

The countrywide study has been launched by the National Rural Crime Network which is chaired by North Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan.

And against a backdrop of policing budget reductions and a growing focus on higher crime areas, it will assess how crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as the threat of potential crime, affects individuals financially and emotionally.

“The full scale of crime in rural areas has never before been assessed,” said Mrs Mulligan.

“Whilst official figures show rural crime, like crime in general, is decreasing, we are concerned about the wider implications on people and communities.

“The fear of crime can be as detrimental to people’s wellbeing as crimes themselves, so we are keen to find out more through this survey.

“Our aim is to build a clear picture of the issue to shape future delivery of services locally and nationally.”

She added: “While average crime rates do tend to be higher in urban areas, tackling rural crime comes with its own specific challenges whether that be the ability of police forces to respond quickly or the scale of crimes which may go unreported.

“This survey is an important step towards delivering a better service to communities and making the countryside a safer place to live and work.”

The survey, which is being supported by the Home Office, will be open until June 24. To take part visit nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/survey.